Trends in Employment for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review of the Research Literature

Abstract

Employment is fundamental to the well-being of individuals including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purposes of this review are to provide an overview of employment-related research in individuals with ASD and increase our understanding of the factors that affect the employment situation of this population. Topics explored are employment outcomes revealed from adult outcome studies and national datasets as well as internal and external challenges that people with ASD may face in finding and maintaining employment. Social difficulties, comorbidity, education level, family support, employers' attitudes, access to services, and disability incentives have been implicated as factors that play an important role in predicting employment. Existing research evidence for specific employment training programs and strategies to successful employment are also introduced in regards to supported employment, transition services, assistive technology, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Finally, implications from both clinical practice and research perspective are provided.

Predictors of employment status among adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Due to the research emphasis on adults receiving services, Chen et al [28] recommend further study of the employment outcomes of adults with ASD outside of the service system. Furthermore, they recommend using reliable outcome measures to examine aspects of employment, such as job satisfaction [28].…”

Challenges Encountered by 17 Autistic Young Adults in Hong Kong

“…In the USA, one out of 150 children has been diagnosed with ASD in 2000 and one out of 68 in 2014 respectively (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000, 2014; as cited in Chen et al , ) and around 50,000 adolescents with ASD enter adulthood every year. It is estimated that 3,800 persons are diagnosed as ASD with a prevalence rate of 0.1% in Hong Kong (Census and Statistics Department, HKSAR, 2009) and this figure indicates a lower prevalence rate than elsewhere in the world (Peters & Forlin, ).…”

Autism spectrum disorders: management over the lifespan

“…Though milder ASD symptoms and higher intellect predict better outcomes for students with ASD, the challenges noted above often result in increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and high rates of drop out [34,45]. Further, even for persons with ASD who obtain post-secondary degrees, they are often under-employed and underpaid after graduation and have difficulty sustaining employment over time [46].…”